The discussion surrounding a potential new community school in the North Heights is moving to its next phase.
The AISD Board of Trustees gave the "OK," last night, to a plan that will provide community input for a school plan in the North Heights area. AISD Trustee John Ben Blanchard made a motion, which was seconded by Trustee Renee McCown, to create a community committee to discuss the plan and to hold public input meetings. The motion and its approval came at the urging of Trustee James Allen.
Nearly 100 residents were packed into the AISD Board Room on Monday night, to discuss the issue. Several residents spoke of their background in the area and their support for opening a new community school, including Potter County Commissioner Alfonso Vaughn and mayoral candidate Renea Dauntes. During the meeting, Pastor Morris Mitchell gave a rousing speech regarding the North Heights area. Mitchell described the closing of the schools in the 1970's and the need for a new school in the area.
"There’s two things we had: we had our schools and our churches. When they took the schools, they took the life out of the community." Mitchell said during the meeting.
The unanimous vote in favor of the new input plan was backed by many in attendance and by the Amarillo Education Foundation.
